For your Critical Book Review you may choose any NON-FICTION book that fits our subject criteria and time frame. I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you select a book that will assist you in writing your research paper. You might want to look at the Bibliographies and Weblinks that appear after each chapter in your text or the bibliographies at ASU American Indian and Culture Site. If you have a question about any of the books or have a particular interest that is not adequately addressed in the text, please consult with me. Whatever book you choose you MUST bring it to me for approval on or before FEBRUARY 5. Reviews of books that were not approved WILL NOT BE GRADED. The Book Reviews are due on MARCH 8. A LETTER GRADE WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR EACH CLASS DAY THAT THE REVIEW IS TURNED IN LATE. Your review should be double spaced, typed, 1000-1200 words in length. Your review should:
1. If possible, and pertinent, include a brief biographical account of the author's training and background When was the book written? How might these factors affect the author's treatment of the subject? You might first consult Book Review Digest, Current Biography or Contemporary Authors which can be found online on the ACC library website. You might also look at American Women Historians and Encyclopedia of Historians and Historical Writing.
2. BRIEFLY summarize the author's main arguments. DO NOT describe point by point what the author said. You are to identify and evaluate the author's thesis (theses). What does he/she want to prove? Is he/she convincing? Why or why not? How does the author organize and convey the material? Does the author agree or disagree with your text or class lectures? What is your evaluation of the subject and the authorís treatment? What changes would make this a better volume? What sources were used? Is this book readable and well written? Make sure that you SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENTS!
3. Proofread your review to eliminate errors of spelling, grammar, construction, typing, etc... This WILL affect your grade. Make sure that your review has a coherent theme and is sensibly organized. Make sure that you GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE. Use quotation marks and give page numbers to identify quotes and the ideas of others.5. Make sure to include a bibliography that uses a correct form and lists all the sources you have used.
